Ronny Deila draws perspective from 2014 Hamilton loss

CELTIC boss Ronny Deila would rather put Hamilton’s historic defeat of his side last season into perspective than recall its pain.

Almost exactly a year ago, Ali Crawford’s strike was enough to give Accies their first win at Parkhead since 1938 to take them top of the league.

The Norwegian recovered from the shock defeat to help the Hoops to their fourth successive title adding the Scottish League Cup on the way.

Ahead of the trip to New Douglas Park on Sunday, where second-placed Celtic look to reassert themselves after the goalless draw at home to Hearts last weekend, the former Stromsgodset boss looked back a year ago.

“It was not the best day in my life,” said Deila. “It was a tough day but you have days like that in football.

“I think we had 12 big chances in that game and didn’t score and that happens sometimes.

“We have to see the bigger picture and in the end we won the league by 17 points.

“We’ve played nine games of 38 so it’s very early to talk about winning and losing the league this season.

“We know what our goals are and we will fight to the last point to win the league.

“It’s very important we keep winning. We want a performance. Lately we’ve looked dangerous and created chances.

“We were disappointed that we didn’t score in the Hearts game but if we continue to play at that level we know we’re going to hurt people and get results.”

Deila will travel to Lanarkshire boosted by the form of James Forrest who, so far, escaped the injury problems which have plagued him in recent seasons.

The Scotland winger put in a terrific performance in the 2-2 Europa League Group A draw with Fenerbahce at Celtic Park on Thursday night and the Parkhead boss is looking for even more.

“I really enjoy the way Jamesy is progressing now,” he said “It’s not only his attacking ability which is special, it’s his defensive work too.

“He was up and down the pitch all night long (against Fenerbahce) and he did that in Amsterdam against Ajax as well.

“We know we have a class player here. He has so much ability.

“He’s always given 100 per cent for Celtic.

“The issue with him is that he’s been injured a lot of times, playing when he’s not fully fit which causes him to break down. He’s been like that for four years.

“He needs time, we need to be patient. Now he’s been training for six months and he’s training 70 or 80 per cent of what he can do and we know there is more to come.”